Civic Theatre Initiative Brings Local Shows to Local Audiences.

The program aims to connect the broader community with the vibrancy and talent of the local theatre community by co-presenting and supporting works that showcase the ability and creativity of the Newcastle region.

UpStage at the Playhouse will introduce fresh, new and adapted works presented and performed by local creatives.

Four productions have been selected to form this year's program, which Civic Theatre Manager Leonie Wallace says will highlight the talent and creativity of our region.

"The fact all four of these productions have been written by Newcastle playwrights just shows the depth of talent we have in our city," Ms Wallace said.

"The Civic Theatre is aiming to build the capacity and exposure of our artists and to build Newcastle's reputation as a cultural capital.

"It's wonderful to see original and reimagined productions form part of UpStage at the Playhouse program."

The four selected productions that will form this year's UpStage program are:

• Blueberry Play by Ang Collins, presented by Lingua Franca

• Romeo & Juliet: A Reimagining, presented by HER Productions

• Karma Kafé by Carl Caulfield, presented by Stray Dogs Theatre Co

• The Magic Hour by Vanessa Bates, presented by Lulu Bell Productions

The program performances will be on stage between August and November in the Civic Theatre's atmospheric 195-seat venue, The Playhouse.

To celebrate each production, ticketholders on the opening night of each production will be treated to an exclusive Q&A with the playwright following the performance.

Tickets for UpStage at the Playhouse are on sale now at www.civictheatrenewcastle.com.au/upstage.